The 33-year-old Socceroo, who left Turkish giants Galatasaray earlier in the European summer, is expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi to complete a deal with Al Jazira on Monday after agreeing terms with the club.

Neill had previously said he wanted to move to a top-level European club after leaving Galatasaray, so the move to UAE comes as a surprise to many.

However Neill told The Sunday Age it's part of his plan for being fit and ready for 2014 World Cup where he'll be 36-years-old.

''I have a three-year plan and, all going well, possibly a year bonus in international football,'' Neill said.

''In order to play out that plan I needed to pick an offer that was good for my family, good for my body while also competitive so that I could give my best for Australia in the coming years as captain, so we can qualify for the World Cup and so that I can lead (the Socceroos) in 2014.''

Fellow Australian Mark Bresciano also recently moved to the UAE to join Al Nasr and Neill acknowledged opinions may differ on their decisions to move to the Middle East whilst still playing for the national team.

''Ultimately football is about opinion and everyone is entitled to one, just as I am,'' he said.

''My opinion, however, is the one that counts [here] and my family is well and truly behind me.

''I have spoken to the national team manager [Holger Osieck] about my three-year plan - and the nature of that discussion will remain between he and I - and the only other opinion I need to worry about is that of my domestic coach and justifying my signing.

''For the rest all I can ask is that they judge me on my performance when I play. I've ticked all the boxes for experience in Europe, playing in the Premier League and on the World Cup stage.

"Now, for me, it is about getting the most out of myself, for my club and my country.''

Neill added that his experiences in UAE may help in Australia's 2014 World Cup qualifiers through Asia.

''I think it's very fitting that we'll qualify through Asia and that I'll be playing for one of the strongest teams in Asia,'' he said.

''Al Jazira obviously won their league very comfortably last season and they just wanted to add one or two more pieces to the jigsaw, which they've done.

''But I'll be going up against familiar faces that I'll be playing against while qualifying for the World Cup. It's also a great challenge for me to go into the league and try to defend the title, to help Al Jazira retain the cup they've already won and to try to make a big impression in Asia in the Champions League.''

He added: ''I'll be much closer to Australia, and much closer to the qualifying games in Asia in the coming months and coming years.

''I just think the less travel, still playing in competitive games and having so many international games is a great balance for me and my body.''